Today there was a lot of something going on in the House of the Lord. We spent the entire day with the church at Koch Chorom. Koch Chorom was a displacement camp and has transformed into a permanent village. When the war was in full force the government forced people into camps to better protect them from the LRA. Koch Goma grew to a large population and the government could not adequately protect the camp, so they moved half of the people to Koch Chorom. We will be spending the day at Koch Goma tomorrow. Both camps are now active villages.
We started off with worship. African church is so alive and full of joy. The choir led us in songs while they danced unto the Lord. The place was packed. Things can go on for hours, but today it was shortened due to our visit. I love worshipping with my African brothers and sisters. Yes they laugh sometimes when I dance, but I like to think my dance worship brings them joy in the Lord! (ok... Maybe not.)
It was a beautiful day. We had the opportunity to hear some church members speak on how they were drunkards in the camp, but God brought them hope and life. They are now followers of Jesus and leaders in the church.
Matt and Beth shared their testimony in church today. Both rocked it! It was incredibly to hear them share what the Lord has done in their lives and see how the people respond and connect to their story. Truly incredible! Great Jo to them both!
We then broke for lunch, the local ladies cooked some Ugandan food and we ate with the church in the church building.... Let's see... Ugandans and Americans worshipping, singing, eating, fellowshipping and sharing together in the name of God... Glimpse of heaven?
Children’s ministry was another great day. Chris, Olivia, Ashley, Leigh, Kariel, Matt, Katherine, and Benson put on a fantastic show! Puppets, bubbles, and games brought lots of laughter and smiles (and the kids love it as well!)
There was one game that was a blast... Our helpers would be in the middle of a large circle (make a BIG circle - not a small circle.) They sang these words and the kids repeated back to them as the circle expanded. You jump in the middle and shout out "I have a game" and the kids repeated back to you. Then you shout "now act like this" and make some kind of crazy dance or movement with sounds and the whole circle does it as well. It was a simple game but incredibly fun!
The children also put on a drama for us that told the beginning story of Genesis.
Frisbees and bubbles were a hit once again!
In the church during this time the members were speaking on how the income projects the church is operating have helped their lives. Jody and I went to see the ox plough project. This is where the church purchased two oxen and they rent them to plough land for planting. It is much easier than by hand. The farmer can get his garden going quicker and the plough generates money.
They also have a tailoring project with 4 machines making clothes for sale, plus a bakery. All projects create income for the church and various members who operate the businesses. The community benefits.
It has been a huge blessing to see the church generating these types of ideas and making a difference in their community on an economic level. They sharing the gospel, as well as, providing jobs and services. Amazing! I am touched to see the church operating this way! They are the hands and feet of Christ to their neighbors!
We took the team to see the original mango tree this church was worshipping under when we first met them in 2008. The church building is the first permanent Methodist church in Gulu district. It was good to see the place we held the medical clinics in Koch Chorom the last few years.
The open air crusade began and once again the choir began to sing and dance with the whole area surrounding them and joining in. All brothers and sisters joining together to worship. Our group of ladies jumped in and joined the dance once again, it is a beautiful sight to see the Ugandans leading, helping, and dancing right along with our team!
When we said goodbye, we were thanked by everyone for joining them and spending the day with them. Our presence was, again, a blessing to our hosts and the church. Everyone I talked to said thank you for coming. Thank you for spending time with us. Thank you for showing us you love us.
I also made my way over to the kitchen hut and visited with the cooks. I told them I liked to cook. They laughed at that! I told them I wanted them to teach me to cook next time I came to Koch Chorom. They loved that and we all promised it would happen! Awesome!
It has also been a huge blast to introduce Kariel, my daughter. Everyone loves to hear that and hug her and ask questions. She is right at home with kids and adults. I am so proud of my girl. Happy dad here!
It was hard to drive away. I wanted to stay and dance, hug the grandmas and talk with the men. I was blessed today to be there.
This idea of joining, spending time, listening and celebrating as a blessing is hitting me so hard. The joy in the people eyes. The excitement to see people we have spent time with before is overwhelming. Jesus spent time in the presence of sinners, the shunned and the lower class of his day. He knew that a personal connection and showing attention adds value to people. Showing them you love me simply by being with them is powerful. I have seen that here this week. And it has been a blessing.
Tomorrow we go to Koch Goma. And do nothing again!!
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Peace
Chris
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